Tripura Baptist Christian Union

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Logo of the Tripura Baptist Christian Union

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The Tripura Baptist Christian Union (TBCU) is the largest protestant church body in the Indian state of Tripura. It has its head office in Agartala, the state capital. The TBCU is affiliated to the Asia Pacific Baptist Federation (APBF)[1] and the Baptist World Alliance (BWA).[2] It is also a member church in the North East India Christian Council (NEICC), a regional church body of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI).[3] As of 2013, TBCU had around 98,000 members in 840 churches.[4]

Contents

History

The union was formed under the leadership of Rev. M.J. Eade in December 1938 in Lakshmilunga, a village six miles from Agartala. TBCU was supported and funded from the beginning by the New Zealand Baptist Missionary Society (NZBMS) and they provided most of the staff till the 1960s. Since then TBCU has now become an independent indigenous self-supporting church organisation. Rev. M.J. Eade was appointed as the first General Secretary of the Tripura Baptist Christian Union. Rev. Lalhuala Darlong was the first national General Secretary. [5]

TBCU employs many pastors and evangelists and runs community programs such as schools and dispensaries. Since the early 80s, it has been working in partnerships with the Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) and also with the Evangelical Church of Maraland (ECM) from Mizoram. Both BCM and ECM have many workers in Tripura working as missionaries and evangelist/teachers in various TBCU churches and schools.

TBCU celebrated its Golden jubilee and Diamond Jubilees in 1988 and 1998 respectively with much fanfare.

The Organization

Rev. C. K. Debbarma (Executive Secretary, SNBA) and Rev. Ngaituahsunga Darlong (general secretary, TBCU) during the Sadar North Baptist Youth Fellowship 2006 in Abhicharan Baptist Church.

Office

TBCU has its office in the Baptist Mission Compound at Arundhutinagar, Agartala.

The Mission Compound was established in the year 1938 under an official land grant by the then King of Tripura Kingdom, Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya, to the Baptist missionaries from New Zealand.[6]


Associations

It has the following affiliated associations:

  1. Sadar North Baptist Association (SNBA)
  2. Central Baptist Association (CBA)
  3. Kok Baptist Association (KOKBA)
  4. Udaipur Baptist Association (UBA)
  5. Sabroom Baptist Association (SBA)
  6. Kailashahar Baptist Christian Association (KBCA)
  7. Jampui Sakhan Baptist Association (JSBA)
  8. Achik Krima
  9. Amarpur-Raima-Sarma Association (ARSA)
  10. Saisawm-Sazai Baptist Association (SSBA)
  11. Dharmanagar-Longai Baptist Association (DLBA)
  12. Yapri Baptist Association (YBA)
  13. Kamalpur Baptist Association (KBA)
  14. Songang Baptist Christian Association (SBCA)
  15. Dergang Baptist Association (DBA)
  16. Salka Baptist Association (SKBA)

Every year a meeting of the Council Members of the TBCU is organised at one of the churches within the Union.

Schools

Union

St. Paul's School

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Main article: St Paul's School, Agartala

The TBCU runs the St. Paul's School which is situated in Arundhutinagar, Agartala. The school was started in the early 1940s as the first English Medium school in the Kingdom of Tripura.

Currently, the Principal of School is Miss Thanzuali and the Vice-Principal is Mr. James Muankima.

The school is a Higher Secondary school with classes from K.G. to Class XII. It is affiliated to CISCE. There are more than 1500 students.[7] The school has evolved to become one of the best institutions in the state. The number of officers, doctors, teachers, professors, engineers and other government servants presently serving under the government of the state of Tripura is a testimony to this fact. It has contributed immensely towards the educational upliftment and development of the schedules tribes as well as also the non-schedules tribes population of the state.

Apart from St. Paul's school, another school at Darchawi village in Unakoti district of Tripura, namely "Darchawi S.B Bengali medium school" was also developed by the NZBMS with the financial aid of the Government of Tripura.

SNBA

The Association runs four English Medium schools, namely:

  1. Yakhili Academy (in Khumulwng)
  2. Tipprah Academy (in Barkathal)
  3. Salka Academy (in Hezamara)
  4. Pohor Academy (in Burakha)

KOKBA

  1. Kok English Medium School, Padmabil

JSBA

The JSBA currently runs two schools called :

St.Thomas English Medium School

St.Thomas English Medium School located at Vanghmun village. It was established in the year 1979. It imparts quality education to the mostly scheduled Tribes students living in and around Jampui hill. Pu Lalnunsanga is the Headmaster of the school. The school have KG to Class X standards. The school is affiliated to the Tripura Board of School education (TBSE). Every year a considerable number of Madhyamik students appear for their examination and come out with flying colours. It has been contributing greatly for the educational development of the people of Jampui hill. The school is also having a Boarding house where both Boys and Girls students can get admission. Stipend is also being provided by the Tribal Welfare Department of Tripura for which each year a good number of poor students can pursue their educational careers in the said school.

Pohor English Medium School

Pohor English Medium school is another school established in the year 2008 at Chawmanu under Chailengta Sub-Division of Dhalai District. Currently, the school is having KG to Class V standards. The school is headed by a group of dedicated staffs looking after the welfare of the students. The performance is improving with each passing days. There are plan to expand the institution and raise the standards.

Theology College

The TBCU runs a Theology college from its mission compound in Agartala where mission workers are being trained in Biblical doctrines and other theological studies. The former General Secretary of TBCU, Rev. Rajani Kaipeng is the principal of the college. Other dedicated theologians and teachers are also employed in the college. If there is Theology College in Mission Compound then why not trained church members it also focus to every Christian and all churches.

Hospital

Earlier, the TBCU ran its own Hospital at their headquarters from the 1930s until 1980 when it was discontinued, providing free treatment to the tribals and locals of the state.

Presently under SNBA a hospital is being constructed at Patni village of West Tripura around 20 km from Agartala city.

Social Service

Since its inception. the TBCU has been supporting the several voluntary NGOs dedicated to the development of the poor tribals living in the remote hamlets of Tripura.

Institute of Community Transformation

Location: Madhab Baptist Church, Mandwi Baptist Pastoral Circle.

Publications

Bibles

TBCU in partnership with the Bible Society of India has been active in translating the Bible and New Testament in various local languages of Tripura.


Smai Kwtal

The New Testament of the Bible in Kokborok language, the dialect of the native people of Tripura was first published in 1976.

The translation team were:

  1. Rev. B.K. Smith, NZBMS
  2. Rev. Jong Bahadur Debbarma, TBCU
  3. Mr. Ramesh Debbarma, TBCU

Baibel Kwthar

The full Holy Bible in Kokborok language was published for the first time in the year 2013 by the Bible Society of India.[8]

The TBCU translation team were:

  1. Rev. Jong Bahadur Debbarma, CBA
  2. Rev. Anil Debbarma, CBA
  3. Rev. Nilmani Debbarma, SNBA
  4. Mr. Mark Debbarma, CBA
  5. Mr. Chitta Debbarma, SNBA
  6. Dn. Chitta Ranjan Debbarma, SNBA

Literature

Under the Tripura Baptist Christian Literature Committee and the Kokborok Christian Literature Committee (KCLC) various songbooks, tracts and study materials are regularly published by the TBCU.

Statistics

TBCU has more than 840 churches with a total communicant membership of more than 98,000.[9]

Sl. No. Association Churches Members
1. Sadar North Baptist Association (SNBA) 136 21,000
2. Central Baptist Association (CBA) 92 6,500
3. Udaipur Baptist Association (UBA) 77 4,100
4. Kok Baptist Association (KOKBA) 60 3,800
5. Amarpur Raima Sarma Baptist Association (ARSBA) 50 4,600
6. Sabroom Baptist Association (SBA) 40 3,000
7. Yapri Baptist Association (YBA) 33 1,900
8. Kailasahar Baptist Christian Association (KBCA) 27 1,750
9. Dergang Baptist Association (DBA) 24 4,100
10. Dharmanagar Longai Baptist Association (DLBA) 23 2,000
11. Kamalpur Baptist Association (KBA) 23 2,000
12. Salka Baptist Association (SKBA) 23 2,100
13. Songang Baptist Christian Association (SBCA) 12 750
14. Jampui Sakhan Baptist Association (JSBA) 11 6,700
15. Achik Krima (AK)
16. Saizawm Sazai Baptist Association (SSBA)
File:SNBYF06 01.jpg
Choir group from Mandwi Baptist Circle, Sadar North Baptist Association (SNBA)


Office bearers of TBCU

Union

  • General Secretary: Rev. C.K. Debbarma
  • Associate General Secretary: Rev. Ngaituasunga Darlong
  • Secretary: Rev. Lalthanliana

Sadar North Baptist Association (SNBA)

Pastors of SNBA

  1. Rev. C. K. Debbarma (General Secretary, TBCU)
  2. Rev. R. K. Debbarma (Secretary, Jamilwng Pastoral Circle)
  3. Rev. Nilmani Debbarma (Executive Secretary, SNBA)
  4. Rev. Mangal Debbarma (Secretary, Dakdu Pastoral Circle)
  5. Rev. Ranjit Debbarma
  6. Rev. Biswa Debbarma (Secretary, Abhicharan Pastoral Circle)
  7. Rev. Charanjoy Rupini (Secretary, Champaknagar Pastoral Circle)
  8. Rev. Chandramoni Debbarma (Secretary, Barkathal Pastoral Circle)
  9. Rev. Kishore Debbarma (Secretary, SNBA)
  10. Rev. Manmohan Debbarma (Secretary, SNBSB & Secretary, Khumulwng Pastoral Circle)
  11. Rev. Barendra Debbarma (Secretary, Mandwi Pastoral Circle)
  12. Rev. Samendra Debbarma (Secretary, Hezamara Pastoral Circle)

Ordained Evangelists of SNBA

  1. Ord. Evan. V. Pawha (ECM Missionary)
  2. Ord. Evan. Lalnunsiama (BCM Missionary)
  3. Ord. Evan. Lalchungnunga (JSBA Missionary)

Evangelists of SNBA There are evangelists in SNBA.

  1. Evan. Shikha Debbarma
  2. Evan. Ajit Debbarma
  3. Evan. Sitaram Rupini
  4. Evan. Sushanta Debbarma
  5. Evan. Pradip Debbarma
  6. Mr. Mantu Debbarma (Office Assistant)
  7. Evan Kishore Debbarma
  8. Evan Bijoy Debbarma
  9. Evan Ratan Debbarma
  10. Evan Evan Sukuram Debbarma
  11. Evan Nripendra Debbarma (on Training)
  12. Evan Partha Sarathi Debbarma (on Training)
  13. Evan Sandhyaram Debbarma (on Training)
  14. Evan Rajkumar Debbarma (on Training)
  15. Evan Mithun Rupini (on training)
  16. Evan Biswajit Debbarma (on training)
  17. Evan Nitya Debbarma
  18. Evan Brajendra Debbarma (on Training)
  19. Evan Manoranjan Debbarma
  20. Evan Kishore (Yarwng) Debbarma
  21. Evan Arun Debbarma
  22. Evan Ajendra Debbarma (on Training)
  23. Evan Rwngthoma Debbarma
  24. Evan Joseph Debbarma
  25. Evan Manik Debbarma (on training)
  26. Evan Somchati Debbarma
  27. Evan Sunil Debbarma
  28. Evan Malendra Debbarma
  29. Evan Debojit Debbarma
  30. Evan Sachin Debbarma
  31. Evan Puskumar Debbarma
  32. Evan Amit Debbarma
  33. Evan Bijoy (kothoma) debbarma
  34. E/T John Rupini
  35. E/T Siari Debbarma
  36. E/T Mrs. Elemi Debbarma
  37. E/T Subasish Debbarma
  38. Mr. Rabindra Debbarma (Driver)

Office Staff of SNBA

  1. Montu Debbarma

Central Baptist Association (CBA)

Pastors of CBA The pastors of the CBA are:

  1. Rev. Jong Bahadur Debbarma, (Retd)
  2. Rev. Asit Debbarma (Retd)
  3. Rev. Swapan Debbarma
  4. Rev. Surajit Debbarma
  5. Rev. Mohan Koloi
  6. Rev. Anil Debbarma

Ordained Evangelists of CBA

  1. Ord. Evan. Ajit Debbarma
  2. Ord. Evan. Swadesh Debbarma
  3. Ord. Evan. Abhiram Debbarma
  4. Ord. Evan. Tripureswer Debbarma

Evangelists of CBA

  1. Evan. Kishore Debbarma
  2. Evan. Ranjit Debbarma
  3. Evan. Sambhuram Debbarma
  4. Evan. Sushil Debbarma
  5. Evan. Dilip Debbarma
  6. Evan. Barath Debbarma
  7. Evan. Aparajit Debbarma
  8. Evan. Premananda Debbarma
  9. Evan. Laxman Debbarma
  10. Evan. Ranjan Debbarma From Shyamnagar para
  11. Evan. Satyaram Debbarma
  12. Evan. Madhab Debbarma
  13. Evan. R.C. Bohia
  14. Evan. N. Nongia
  15. Evan. L. Khaile
  16. Evan. Bitul Debbarma From Shyamnagar para

Kok Baptist Association (KOKBA)

Pastors of KOKBA The pastors of the KOKBA are:

  1. Rev. Jyotirmoy Debbarma
  2. Rev. Sunil Debbarma
  3. Rev. Malendra Debbarma
  1. Rev. Surnapada Jamatia
  2. Rev. Dharmendra Debbarma
  3. Rev. Samaresh Debbarma

Ordained Evangelists of KOKBA

  1. Dhiman Debbarma

Ordained Evangelists of KOKBA

  1. Evan. Mangthar Debbarma
  2. Evan. Ahlem Debbarma
  3. Evan. Philip Rupini
  4. Evan. Kishore Debbarma
  5. Evan. Manoj Kumar Debbarma
  6. Evan. Sanjoy Debbarma
  7. Evan. Ranju Debbarma
  8. Evan. Utpal Debbarma
  9. Evan. Biresh Debbarma
  10. Evan. Mansujit Debbarma
  11. Evan pradesh Debbarma

Udaipur Baptist Association (UBA)

The pastors of the UBA are:

  1. Rev. Pratyuksha Jamatia
  2. Rev. Debguru Jamatia

Ordained Evangelists of UBA

  1. Ord. Evan. Imangrai Jamatia
  2. Ord. Evan. Chandra Bahadur Jamatia

Evangelists of UBA

  1. Evan. Sukumar Jamatia
  2. Evan. Abraham Jamatia
  3. Evan. Amit Jamatia
  4. Evan. Subraihamjak Jamatia

List of Churches affliated to TBCU

Sadar North Baptist Association (SNBA)

Abhicharan Baptist Pastoral Circle


Borkathal Baptist Pastoral Circle

Champaknagar Baptist Pastoral Circle

Dakdu Baptist Pastoral Circle

Hezamara Baptist Pastoral Circle


Jamilwng Baptist Pastoral Circle

Khumulwng Baptist Pastoral Circle


Mandwi Baptist Pastoral Circle

Central Baptist Association (CBA)

Bishramganj Baptist Pastoral Circle

City Baptist Pastoral Circle


Gabardi Baptist Pastoral Circle

Jampui Baptist Pastoral Circle

Takarjala Baptist Pastoral Circle

Udaipur Baptist Association (UBA)

Amarpur Baptist Pastoral Circle

Marandi Baptist Pastoral Circle

Pitra Baptist Pastoral Circle

Kok Baptist Association (KOKBA)

Controversial links with militant outfit

The regional government has accused it of lending support to separatist NLFT terrorists.[10]

The Government of Tripura uncovered evidence asserting that the Baptist Church in Tripura has been helping Tripuri militants, such as the NLFT in the state. The NLFT militants, who are involved in armed struggle for the independence of Tripura, and the creation of a "Christian state",[11] have been forcing local tribals to convert to Christianity at gunpoint and threatening to murder participants in Hindu festivals.[10][12][13] It is believed that as many as 5,000 tribal villagers were converted in this fashion over two years.[12] These forcible conversions to Christianity, sometimes including the use of "rape as a means of intimidation," have also been noted by academics outside of India.[14]

The Government has accused the Baptist Church of Tripura of supporting this violent campaign of NLFT by providing funding and arms for the group. In April 2000, Nagmanlal Halam, Secretary of the Noapara Baptist Church in Tripura, was caught with a large quantity of explosives which were meant for the group. Halam later confessed to buying and supplying explosives to the NLFT for the past two years. Another church official, Jatna Koloi, was arrested in south Tripura in April 2000. According to the State Police, Mr Koloi had received training in guerrilla warfare at an NLFT base in 1999.[10]

See also

References

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  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Origin and Growth of Christianity in Tripura (Sukhendu Debbarma, 1996)
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  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ [1] BWA Statistics
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 rediff.com: Tribals unite against conversions in Tripura
  13. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  14. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

External links

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